Zak Chelli insists he will ruin David Morrell’s plans when they clash in Manchester next week.
Morrell makes his UK debut in a light heavyweight clash against Chelli on the undercard of Fabio Wardley’s WBO heavyweight world title defence against Daniel Dubois.
The Cuban southpaw, who has only been beaten by David Benavidez, was set to face Callum Smith in Liverpool earlier this month, but the fight was cancelled after Smith suffered an injury.
Chelli believes the former world champion is underestimating him and has vowed to upset the odds and had him only his second professional defeat.
“He’s a former world champion,” Chelli told proboxing-fans.com.
“He’s fought people like Benavidez.
“He’s probably looking at me thinking this would be a good thing for in Europe to show off his skills and elevate his presence in Europe.
“But he’s going to be in for a shock.
FIGHT UPDATE
David Morrell brings serious 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍 as he takes on Zak Chelli on the Wardley vs Dubois undercard
#WardleyDubois | May 9 | @thecooplive, Manchester | Live on @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/3gB0LjPugW
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) April 30, 2026
“Same as Anthony Sims when he came over to the UK, trying to show off himself.
“I beat him and ruined the plans, derailed him off the platform and I’m going to do the same.
“I believe if my right hand catches him on the chin, he will go down.”
Morrell bounced back from defeat to Benavidez with a split decision win over Imam Khataev last July, but had to climb off the canvas in the fifth round.
Chelli moved up to light heavyweight in his last outing and stopped Adam Hepple in the final round to claim the vacant English crown last June.
The 28-year-old, who has three defeats on his slate, believes a victory over Morrell could lead him to a shot at the elite of the division.
“I’ll start calling out Benavidez, Callum Smith, even Canelo,” the Londoner added.
“But I’m not going to look past it.
“I’m looking at David Morrell at the moment and I need to win.
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“From what I’ve seen he’s got good footwork.
“He’s a southpaw so he’s got a good one-two.
“He’s overall a good boxer.”
Watch the full interview with Zak Chelli below:
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